Ludacris Heads Guantanamo’s “Freedom Festival”

The base is home to about 6,000 troops, contractors, families and, of course, prisoners, who will not be invited to the show. Taking place in a bayside parking lot, the show is far enough away from the detention facility that those locked up won’t be able to enjoy the sounds of “Act A Fool,” “Stand Up” or “Area Codes.”

When the detention center was established in 2002, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said it was for “extremely dangerous” individuals who were being held to stop future terrorist attacks. The detention of prisoners without trial and alleged inhumane treatment at Guantanamo Bay has been criticized by the European Union, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, and President Obama has said he hopes to close the facility before the end of his term.

Despite the controversy surrounding the venue, those living on the base are treated to a “Freedom Festival” yearly. Prior to the rap giant’s set this year, there will be family activities and a fireworks display. Jimmy Eat World, Jimmy Buffett and Magic! have all played the base in previous events.